Novo Nordisk Project SEARCH

Introducing our newest partnership at Novo Nordisk – a leading global healthcare company, based in Plainsboro, NJ – providing a “blended” Project SEARCH program for young adults with disabilities.

Applications now being accepted for Fall 2026!

Project SEARCH is an internationally acclaimed, immersive school-to-work program. The blended Project SEARCH model, adopted by Novo Nordisk Project SEARCH, serves two priority populations: final year special education students with an IEP (ages 18 – 21) and individuals eligible for services through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Final Year Special Education Students (Ages 18 – 21)

Novo Nordisk Project SEARCH accepts applications from continuing high school students ages 18 – 21 with autism and other disabilities entering their final year of special education entitlement. Candidates must be referred by their sending high school district. Students must have completed their high school credits and have an IEP for further preparation towards transition goals, including competitive employment.

NJ DDD Eligible Adults (Ages 22-30)

Young adults with disabilities applying to Novo Nordisk Project SEARCH through NJ DDD adult services include those who are unemployed or underemployed and need to acquire additional transferable skills to more successfully gain and sustain meaningful employment.

About our program…

This unique blended program offers accepted interns an opportunity to prepare for skilled employment alongside peers with diverse experiences and aspirations. Novo Nordisk provides a welcoming state-of-the-art work environment to support interns during their Project SEARCH journeys.

Named #1 with Forbes America’s Best Large Employers and #1 for World’s Best Places to Work, Novo Nordisk is now among the premier business sites collaborating with Project SEARCH across the country. This world-class organization and its dedicated team of professionals at the Plainsboro campus are passionately leading the way to positive outcomes for program participants at Novo Nordisk Project SEARCH in Central New Jersey.

Participants attend a full-day, 10-month internship, gaining hands-on experience in multiple departments at a top company.

Those accepted for this innovative work-based learning experience will intern from September 2026 through June 2027, exploring job and career interests, acquiring employment skills, and benefitting from the Project SEARCH transition curriculum taught by a Y.A.L.E. School special education teacher in a dedicated training room on-site at Novo Nordisk. Instruction for all participants bolsters skills for aspirational employment, independent living, and social communication – preparing Project SEARCH interns for positive outcomes.

Program partners include Novo Nordisk and Y.A.L.E. School, an award-winning pioneer of Project SEARCH programs, as well as NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, and Best Buddies, International, along with the Y.A.L.E. Clinic, an approved DDD provider. Representatives from each entity make up the program’s Steering Committee, which supports program interns successfully transitioning to productive adult lives, with the goal of achieving competitive integrated employment in nontraditional, complex, and rewarding jobs.

Potential interns will participate in an Interview and Acceptance Day with the Novo Nordisk Project SEARCH partners. The acceptance process also involves a thorough record review. Acceptance decisions follow.

All interested candidates, school districts, parents, and DDD Support Coordinators are encouraged to attend one of the virtual or in-person Info Sessions offered throughout the year to learn more about the program and the eligibility and admissions process for both age groups.

Applications now being accepted for Fall 2026!**